Surgical Instrument Power Activation via Magnetic Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical instruments lack an efficient mechanism for ensuring internal power sources are only activated when ready for use, potentially leading to unnecessary power consumption and complications during surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating magnetically triggered switches and timeout timers in surgical devices to prevent power delivery until the device is fully assembled and ready for use, ensuring power is only activated when the user intends to perform a procedure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the internal power source is continuously powered on to ensure readiness for use, then the device can be immediately activated when needed, but unnecessary power consumption occurs and potential safety complications arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for useVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary assembly verification through magnetic triggering mechanisms that detect whether the end effector is properly coupled to the shaft before enabling power delivery. This preliminary check ensures the device is ready for use only when properly assembled, eliminating the need for continuous powering while maintaining safety and readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the device allows immediate power activation upon assembly, then operational readiness is achieved quickly, but power may be activated before the device is fully ready leading to safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational readiness speedVSAvoidsafety complications

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Magnetic switches and timeout timers serve as intermediary mechanisms between the physical assembly of the device and the activation of power. These intermediaries verify proper coupling through magnetic field detection and enforce mandatory waiting periods, ensuring the device is fully ready before power delivery is enabled, thus preventing premature activation while maintaining quick operational readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates feedback mechanisms through magnetic sensors that continuously monitor the coupling status between the end effector and shaft. This feedback system only enables power delivery when the magnetic sensors confirm proper assembly and the timeout timer has elapsed, creating a safety interlock that prevents premature power activation while ensuring rapid readiness when properly assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If magnetic switches and timeout timers are added to control power activation, then safety and power management are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower activation controlVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with magnetic field-based sensors and electronic timeout timers. This substitution uses the magnetic coupling already present in the surgical instrument's functional design, adding control capabilities without requiring additional mechanical parts, thereby improving power activation control while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution prevents unnecessary power consumption and ensures the surgical device is only powered on when intended for use, enhancing operational efficiency and safety during procedures.

Implementation Method 1

A magnet is positioned on the outer surface of the proximal end of the transmission assembly such that when the transmission assembly is placed in communication with the opening, the magnet extends into the handle assembly and triggers a switch in communication with the internal power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2635214B1Selective activation of electronic components in medical device

Publication Date: 2020.04.01 ETHICON INC

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AI summary

A surgical instrument comprises a body, a transmission assembly, and a switch. The body comprises a control unit and an integral power source. The power source is operable to selectively deliver power to the control unit. The transmission assembly extends distally from the body. The transmission assembly also includes an end effector driven by the control unit. The switch is in communication with the control unit and the power source. The transmission assembly is operable to actuate the switch to enable delivery of power from the power source to the control unit.